Level 2 for Easter? Six major restrictions would return if lockdown ‘tightens’

It’s understood that the National Coronavirus Command Council has convened to discuss the possibility of putting tougher lockdown restrictions in place for the Easter holidays, as South Africa braces itself for an inevitable ‘third wave’ of COVID-19 infections. Another meeting is allegedly being held by the NCCC on Thursday, sparking rumours of a move to Level 2.

Lockdown latest: ‘Level 2 for Easter’ claims surface

The threat of reintroduced restrictions has been punted for most of March, as scientists and government officials made no bones about a possible resurgence of the virus after the summer. Easter itself could become a superspreader event, with families and friends travelling all across the country to see each other.

The ANC’s goal would be to prevent a major spike in transmission by limiting large gatherings – a proposition made by scientists at Nelson Mandela University earlier on Wednesday. However, plenty of other interventions are also up for discussion. If South Africa was to move to Level 2 of lockdown, it would mean the return of several significant regulations.

What would change if we moved down to Level 2?

(All information taken from the contribution of scientific experts, and the government’s own publication on Level 2 laws)

• – Land borders: Points of entry reopened for Level 1 could face a temporary shutdown over Easter.
• – Alcohol restrictions return: By dropping to Level 2, alcohol sales would be limited to four days a week.
• – Curfew extension: The government’s own advice on this Alert Level means says curfew would be in place earlier, from 22:00.
• – Certain beach laws: Closures have been imposed before, but not at Level 2: Alas, stricter rules may still come in for beachgoers.
• – Inter-provincial travel limits: Scientists want to clamp-down on travel, and have shared their concerns with the NCCC.
• – Private AND social gatherings: A social event at a place of residence would come with a limitation of 10 visitors or less. Meanwhile, the maximum limit of people who can meet indoors may be halved to just 50 – striking a blow for religious communities,=.

Third wave sparks calls for reintroduced restrictions

News24 reports that limitations would be in place for ‘Easter only’. However, that is certainly subject to change. Although new cases of COVID-19 remain low in South Africa, the potential for superspreader events could change these numbers in a heartbeat. Last year, several ‘Matric Rage’ parties were attributed to the creation of a second wave.

In the past seven days, the scientific community of Mzansi has sounded the alarm about an upcoming resurgence:

• – Researchers at NMU fear the third wave ‘could hit BEFORE Easter‘ – and have campaigned for travel limits to be imposed.

• – Last week, Western Cape Health Experts called for nationwide restrictions on large gatherings over the holidays.

• – Several experts said on Tuesday that SA’s COVID numbers are on the rise – and ‘targeted interventions’ are required.